Thompson Free Library uses grants to power sustainable energy project for local community hub
DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Thompson Free Library is proud to announce it has contracted with Sundog Solar to install a solar energy system on its roof, marking a significant step forward in the library’s commitment to sustainability, cost-efficiency and environmental stewardship. The 34-kilowatt project was entirely grant-funded thanks to the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation and the Maine State Library’s Remote Workers Program, meaning the project will come at no cost to the library or the town’s taxpayers but will cover the entirety of the library’s yearly electricity usage for the foreseeable future. Construction is expected to begin next month.
“This project will save us nearly $7,000 just this year,” said Jon Knepp, director of Thompson Free Library. “And, over the projected 30-year life of the project, we will save roughly $275-350,000 based on anticipated electricity cost projections. By enrolling in the Renewable Energy Credit program, we will be able to generate an additional $1-2,000 annually in revenue. And, we’ll be offsetting over 50,000 pounds of CO2 per year. It’s a win-win. We will save the town money, do something good for the earth, and insulate ourselves from rising future energy costs.”
Additional improvements implemented in the last few years, such as installing heat pumps, improving the efficiency of the library’s existing historic windows and LED retrofits for the library’s lighting have ensured that the building is as efficient as a 125 year-old institution can be.
“We’re prepared for the future while still embracing our past,” said Knepp. “As a good example of this, the solar panels will be located on the newer north side of the library. The original slate roof facing Main St. will not be affected. Starting in the seventies, we’ve been blessed to be able to expand and adapt the building for our current needs while still keeping the feel and historical authenticity of the library the same. We’re excited to be starting this project and being able to keep all aspects, from cost savings to environmental stewardship to preserving one of our town’s most historic buildings, in balance.”
Thompson Free Library is located at 186 East Main St. in Dover-Foxcroft and is open Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact us by phone at 207-564-3350 or by email at thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com. To keep up-to-date with what is going on at the library, visit our website www.thompsonfreelibrary.org, Facebook www.facebook.com/thompsonfreelibrary or Instagram @tf_library.